Chapter 2
Just stepped outside the building when my phone buzzed.
Dad’s name lit up the screen. Chairman of Sterling Industries.
“Hey Dad.”
“Sweetheart! Defense over? How’d it go? Your mom made dinner reservations. You coming home tonight? Ryan
Hearing Ryan’s name made my stomach turn.
Ryan started as one of our scholarship kids. Total workaholic.
Dad saw potential in him early on.
Plus three years ago when our house caught fire, Ryan literally ran inside and pulled me out.
He wasn’t like those spoiled rich boys. I actually fell for that.]
Mom and Dad saw how serious he was about me, Gradually warmed up to us
to us dating
1007
But he gave my discarded research to another girl. Even handed over my database for her materials.]
And today? He publicly challenged me just to protect her.[]
I gripped my phone tighter. “Dad, just wrapped up here. Still have some paperwork to finish. I’ll let Ryan know about dinner. We’ll both be there.
“Sounds good, sweetheart. Work comes first. Just don’t stay too late.”
After Dad hung up. I shot Ryan a quick text. No response.
Tried calling Straight to voicemail.
So I called his assistant]
“Oh, Mr. Mitchell’s phone died earlier. He mentioned having dinner with an important client tonight. Probably went straight from campus.”
Right. Sure he did.
I was about to put
put my phone away when a Facebook request popped–up]
The profile picture showed Madison in her cap and gown, smiling like butter wouldn’t melt.
Hoy message read: Hi Dr. Sterling! It’s Madison. Can we please talk? I can explain everything.10
Almost immediately, another request popped up. Same girl.
1 narrowed my eyes but hit accept anyway.
My DMs instantly exploded.
[Look Dr. Sterling, your’re clearly above all this. Why pick on some nobody student with zero connections?]
[I wrote that thesis myself! Ryan was just being nice and helping out! Don’t you think hullying me is beneath you?]
I get it, you hate that someone like me caught Ryan’s attention. But using your power to crush people? That’s disgusting.]]
[All you do is ride daddy’s coattails and step on others. Maybe try making it on your own for once instead of hiding behind Sterling Industries!]
Reading her little venomous rant, I actually started laughing.
Well, well. Look who’s showing her true colors
I typed back rapid–fire:
[First off, I don’t need to crush nobodies to prove my worth.
[Second, Ryan stealing data from my computer for your thesis? That’s academic fraud AND theft. Both illegal, by the way.]]
[Third, questioning my abilities? Madison, your internship isn’t over yet, is it? HR will have some news for you tomorrow at 9 AM. Sleep tight.J
Hit send and waited.
Nothing. Complete radio silence.]]
Good. Finally some peace and quiet
C
